14-year-old Emily Sweeney from Perth is the youngest actor chosen as part of the Aussie Alll Stars team
An aspiring theatre performer from Perth, Emily Sweeney, is set to make her mark on the international stage as she joins the Australian All Star team heading to the United States. At just 14, she is the youngest member of a Western Australian contingent selected to audition for roles at the prestigious Junior Theatre Festival (JTF) in Atlanta.
Emily is one of five participants from Western Australia chosen to be part of the 40-member Aussie All Star acting team. “When we get to America, they choose a show and we all have to audition for it. We get four days to learn the entire show and perform it at the JTF Atlanta; typically there are only five lead roles,” Emily shared with PerthNow.
A Journey from Perth to the International Stage
The opportunity to perform at JTF Atlanta is a significant milestone for Emily, who will be competing against approximately 6,000 other young performers from across the United States. “I am very nervous. If I mess up or don’t do as well as I usually do, I won’t be seen,” she confessed.
Emily’s passion for acting was ignited four years ago when she landed a lead role in a musical production of “James and the Giant Peach.” Reflecting on her journey, she said, “When I was 10, I had tried all the sports and was not good at any, so my Mum’s final attempt was to let me audition for a show.”
From Local Productions to International Aspirations
Emily’s talent flourished despite attending Parkwood Primary School, which lacked a drama club. Her ambition led her to Fremantle’s John Curtin College of the Arts, where she continued to hone her craft. She secured a lead role in Western Theatrics’ “Legally Blonde,” which toured Newcastle last year. “I played Brooke Windym and it was a hard role because I had to skip and sing at the same time,” she recalled.
Emily’s performance in Sydney opened new doors, leading to her invitation to audition for the Aussie All Stars. “I thought performing in Sydney would be the biggest thing I ever do,” she noted, “but when I was there I was asked to audition for the Aussie All Stars, the travel team that goes to America.”
Financial Challenges and Community Support
The trip to the United States represents Emily’s first time traveling outside Australia, with an estimated cost of $12,000. To alleviate the financial burden on her family, she has launched a GoFundMe campaign. “I will still be able to go to America even if we don’t raise the money, but when I get back I will have little money to support my parents and we will have to save for years to get back to where we are now,” she explained.
The two-week itinerary includes choreography workshops with industry professionals, sightseeing in New York City, and tickets to two Broadway musicals. “I am so excited; even if I don’t get a lead role it is going to be such a great experience,” Emily said enthusiastically.
Dreams of a Future in Performing Arts
Looking ahead, Emily dreams of attending the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts and one day securing a lead role in a “Mamma Mia” musical production. She acknowledges that pursuing her ambitions may require leaving Perth. “I am more excited than scared to leave Perth,” she admitted. “It’s definitely scary being away from everyone that has supported me, but if I got the chance to be on Broadway, I would move in a second.”
Emily’s story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance, and her journey to the Junior Theatre Festival in Atlanta is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting career in the performing arts.
